Investigating preferences for oral nutritional supplements in cancer patients

Taste and Smell Alterations and Oral Nutritional Supplement (ONS) Preferences in Patients With Cancer

Not applicable Interventional University of Bergen · NCT05816369

This study is trying to find out which flavors of nutritional drinks cancer patients prefer to help them eat better and feel healthier.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Bergen Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bergen, Vestland)
Trial IDNCT05816369 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study focuses on patients diagnosed with cancer who are at high risk of malnutrition due to the disease and its treatments. It aims to assess the sensory preferences for different flavors of oral nutritional supplements (ONS) among these patients. By understanding which flavors are more acceptable, the study seeks to improve compliance with nutritional recommendations. Additionally, it will explore the relationship between taste and smell changes, dietary intake, malnutrition risk, and quality of life in cancer patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are ambulatory patients aged 18 and older diagnosed with lung cancer who are currently receiving cancer treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive disorders, those who cannot consume ONS, or terminally ill patients are unlikely to benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the nutritional support provided to cancer patients, improving their overall health and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of assessing sensory preferences for ONS in cancer patients may be novel, similar studies have shown the importance of nutritional support in improving patient outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Ambulatory patients diagnosed with lung cancer
* Patients receiving cancer treatment of different types
* Age 18 years or more
* Provided signed informed consent
* Understand written and oral Norwegian

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe mental or cognitive disorders
* Contraindication to consume ONS (dysphagia, inability to swallow oral nutritional supplements)
* Allergic or intolerant to any of the ingredients in the ONS
* Terminally ill patients (\<3 months to live)
* A clinically significant disease or condition that could, in the investigator's opinion make the patient unfit for the study

Where this trial is running

Bergen, Vestland

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions NeoplasmsMalnutrition
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.